Erythema Multiforme Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Erythema multiforme is a fairly rare skin condition and is mainly observed in children. If it occurs in adults, this condition can occur between the ages of 20–40 years, with a smaller chance of occurring at ages above that range. This condition is observed more often in men than in women.
Erythema multiforme is a rash that is often caused by infection or medication. This condition can present with mild signs and symptoms and subside after a few weeks, which is called erythema multiforme minor.
Apart from these types, there are also more dangerous and life-threatening types, which can involve the mouth, eyes, and genitalia. This type is called erythema multiforme major and accounts for about 20 percent of cases of erythema multiforme.
Symptoms
Skin rashes that arise in erythema multiforme can appear as dozens to dozens of rashes with a target-shaped shape, which develops over a period of 24 hours. These lesions may begin to appear on the back of the hands and the tops of the feet, before spreading to the legs.
In addition, rashes can also appear on the face and neck. Arms may be more involved than legs. In addition, skin rashes can also appear denser on the elbows and knees.
In erythema multiforme minor, a skin rash may appear anywhere on the body involved and may be observed on both sides of the body. For example, if the rash appears on one leg, it is common for the rash to appear on the other side as well.
People with erythema multiforme minor often have no symptoms other than an itching or burning sensation in the rash, and sometimes a low-grade fever.
In erythema multiforme major, additional signs and symptoms may occur, including:
- Feeling tired
- Pain in the joints
- The rash is brown as it starts to fade
The lesions that occur in erythema multiforme major may also involve the mucous membranes of the body, often on the lips and the inside of the cheeks. In addition, several other body parts that can also be involved are:
- The bottom of the mouth, roof of the oral cavity, and gums
- Women
- Genitalia and anus
- Trachea
- Digestive tract
Lesions that arise in these areas can cause swelling and redness accompanied by sores. The wound can also split open, causing a painful, large, irregularly shaped ulcer which is then covered with a white membrane.
If the lips are also involved, they will generally appear swollen and covered with crusts that may bleed. People who experience this can show signs of difficulty speaking and swallowing as a result of the pain they are experiencing.
Reason
Erythema multiforme is often associated with a virus that can cause sores on the skin, namely the herpes simplex virus. Experts also believe that many cases of erythema multiforme can occur when another infection stimulates the immune system to attack skin cells.
Several types of medication are also thought to cause a person to experience erythema multiforme. Someone who observes a skin rash that occurs while taking medication is advised to consult a doctor directly for further evaluation.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of erythema multiforme can be determined based on medical interviews, direct physical examination, and certain supporting examinations if deemed necessary.
On physical examination, the doctor will evaluate the size, shape, color, and distribution of the skin rash. Doctors can do a skin biopsy if needed, to rule out other possible causes. Various tests can also be performed which can show the presence of other infections that are often associated with erythema multiforme, such as mycoplasma (a type of bacteria).
Treatment
In erythema multiforme, both major and minor, several types of treatment that can be recommended by doctors are antihistamines to treat itching, anti-pain medications, mouthwashes to treat pain or itching, and steroid topical medications. In more severe cases, wound care may also be recommended.
If erythema multiforme is suspected to be due to infection, the appropriate treatment will depend on the results of blood tests or cultures. If the infection is proven to be caused by the herpes simplex virus, the doctor can also treat the infection to prevent recurrence of complaints.
erythema multiforme is suspected to occur due to the consumption of certain medications, the doctor may recommend stopping treatment as the first step to investigate the cause.
Prevention
There is no known prevention strategy that has proven to be completely effective in avoiding the occurrence of this condition. However, people who have experienced erythema multiforme after taking certain medications are advised to avoid taking these medications in the future.